Buildings officials say 541 construction sites citywide are stalled as a result of the recession and a bill before the City Council this week would offer developers incentives to make sure those inactive sites are safe, and secured.

Today, Council Speaker Christine Quinn announced the bill at a stalled apartment project in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. “If these sites are not properly maintained, they very quickly can become a safety hazard to residents, a quality-of-life problem for residents, and even at times a haven for criminal activity,” she said.

Under the proposal, developers could renew building permits for up to four years, as long as they can prove to the Department of Buildings that they’ve locked up unfinished buildings and have fenced off holes in the ground. Typically, building permits expire after a full year of inactivity, requiring developers to re-start the permitting process. The bill is expected to be approved by the Council this Wednesday. It has the mayor’s support.

(Source: WNYC)